Basic Resume Tips

Hello and Welcome Back!

  So my last article discussed a few basic interviewing tips that can be applied to most candidates, professionals, sales people, etc. I’ve been keeping a running list of new tips for resumes and I think it’s time we all take a look at what we have saved on our flash drives….

  First off, a resume should be kept up to date at all times. Document it all- your duties, your achievements, your education, all of it as you continue to grow as a professional. Don’t wait until you’re job searching to try to recollect every detail from every position. Your resume is your portfolio of accomplishments- KEEP TRACK OF IT!

  And while we’re talking about accomplishments, give yourself some credit! Did you save your company $300,000 by implementing a new process? Document it! Did you reduce scraps, time, costs, turnover, etc.? DOCUMENT IT! Let’s be honest here, it’s not just Recruiters who want to see your achievements, it’s hiring managers, executives, new customers, the list goes on and on! WE WANT TO SEE IT!

  If you’re not already aware, LinkedIn is quite the source for recruiting and networking. So while we’re at it please ensure that your LinkedIn profile aligns with your resume. If your resume shows recruiters that you’ve had 3 jobs since 2010, then your LinkedIn profile should, too. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s a little concerning if these two profiles don’t match.

  On another note, a 19 PAGE RESUME IS NEVER OKAY. I hope you heard my loud voice when you read those caps! I say this because I see this more often than you think. The rule of having to condense all of your background and experience into one page is so outdated, but please don’t overdo it. I’ve read statistics that say that on average, recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing a resume before determining if it’s a viable candidate. I don’t know anyone who can read 19 pages in 6 seconds, but I’m willing to bet that we would all choose to spend more time reading the 3 page resume than we would the 19 page resume. Am I right?

  If it’s really a true statement that recruiters give your resume 6 seconds (that’s not the case with me, FYI), then you need to ensure your resume is easy to read and flows properly. Bullet points can make or break your candidacy if used correctly. If fifty candidates submit their resumes, would you prefer to read the bulleted resume, or the one that highlights every individual experience in ten sentence paragraphs? That’s what I thought. Put those accomplishments right up at the top to catch the eye, then briefly mention skills if applicable, and then delve into your experience and/or education.

  If you’ve taken the time to read all of these points, then I think you deserve to know it is crucial to include your primary contact information. If cell phone is the best way to reach you, please don’t list your house number. Also, please ensure your email is included on your resume….and that it’s a professional email address… Need I say more? Yes, I must. “SexiMama44” is not a professional email to use when looking for a new career, and yes, we all are questioning why you’re applying to my Director-level position with that email address. Anything that would be taboo discussion within the workplace should probably also be omitted from your email address.

  With all of that being said, I think it’s safe to say that common sense is not so common when it comes to resume-building. Please have a colleague, peer, mentor, someone check and double check your resume before you post it to every job board and email every recruiter and connection you have.

  I hope this article helps you when you go to double check your old saved resume on that flash drive you’ve got somewhere in your junk drawer. Please remember that the above tips are only to be used as basic resume tips. These recommendations do not guarantee that you will secure an interview, job offer, etc. Best of luck in your career endeavors!

Warm Regards,

Katrina Kovalski

Corporate Recruiter, Dometic- Americas

  PS- Look how nicely these bullets summarize the above paragraphs :)

•   Keep your resume updated on all accomplishments, professional experience, and education as it occurs
  
• Ensure that your resume and LinkedIn profile experience match
• 19 PAGE RESUMES ARE NEVER OKAY; ignore the old rule of condensing all of your experience to one page, but don’t overdo it
• Use bullet points to appropriately list your experience
• Include your primary contact information including your professional email address
• Have a trusted colleague, mentor, friend, etc. review your resume before you publicize it
• Remember these are only personal tips provided by me personally, and do not guarantee a secured job interview, offer, or anything else for that matter except maybe some new insight to your resume